About BVI Sailing Coach
Born from passion, built on experience
Our sailing school was founded by former instructors and staff of the BVI Offshore Sailing School after it ceased operations. With decades of combined experience, our team delivers expert instruction and an unmatched understanding of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) — one of the most spectacular and reliable sailing destinations in the world.
We offer hands-on training on keelboats, cruising catamarans, cruising monohulls, and power catamarans. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sailor ready to advance, our courses are designed to make you comfortable, confident, and safe on the water.
Students receive recognized certification and leave our courses bareboat charter-ready, with the skills and knowledge needed to sail independently. You’ll also qualify for the International Proficiency Certificate (IPC) — your gateway to chartering in sailing destinations around the world.
Our instructors are known for their professionalism, patience, and passion for teaching. Backed by 5-star reviews, we combine real-world seamanship with deep local expertise to provide a one-of-a-kind learning experience.
Set sail with the team who knows the BVI best — and take the helm of your blue water dreams.
Why Choose Us
We don’t just teach sailing — we build confident skippers in one of the world’s most iconic cruising grounds.
Experienced Instructors
Our team is made up of instructors with decades of real-world sailing and teaching experience in the BVI, US and Europe.
Hands-On Training
We offer immersive, live-aboard courses that combine real sailing, daily practice, and classroom instruction in a relaxed onboard setting.
Unmatched Location
The British Virgin Islands are world-renowned for their ideal sailing conditions, stunning anchorages, and safe, scenic cruising routes.
Global Certifications
Meet our team
Captain Folkert “Dutch” Jongkind, Founder and Lead Instructor
Born in the Netherlands, Dutch has sailed professionally in the BVI since 2007. He previously served as Senior Instructor and Caribbean Regional Manager at a major international sailing school, and holds RYA and US Sailing instructor certifications. Calm and structured, he helps students build real confidence on the water. He knows the islands inside out, from the best mooring fields to the quiet anchorages, and teaches the skills you’ll use on your own charter. Featured in Cruising World.
https://www.cruisingworld.com/charter/passing-the-tiller/
Captain Patrick, Instructor and Course Developer
Patrick grew up sailing in Brittany and has over 30 years of experience, from offshore passages across the Atlantic and Pacific to the BVI, where he has been based since 2018. He teaches on monohulls and catamarans and holds a USCG Master Captain license, all US Sailing certifications and NauticEd Level V instructor ranks for sail and power. Patient, approachable and safety-minded, he has taught at sailing schools in Europe and the United States and knows the BVI’s anchorages and charter conditions well.
Certification programs
US Sailing
Is a classic style certification program where the instructor will teach you in theory and then practice with you in real time. It is a healthy combination of practical and theory immersion. Our basic sailing and our Bareboat programs use this hands on ‘learn, see, do, repeat’ approach. We always advice students to read the books ahead of the course, which makes it all more smooth and easier. For example, we teach you how to tie up to a dock with a diagram or two and some drawings/pictures. Which line does what and why. And then we will prepare the boat and execute what we just learned. In a morning, we will explain and show you how to do basic navigation. On paper and electronically. After that, you will make your first navigation plan, to be used that day.
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